Health Library

Formoterol

Formoterol Fumarate Inhalation powder, capsule

What is this medicine?

FORMOTEROL (for MOH te rol) is a slow-acting bronchodilator. It helps to open up the airways of your lungs. This medicine is used to treat COPD and to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. It is also used to treat asthma in patients taking other asthma control medicines. This medicine should not be used alone for asthma. Do NOT use for an acute asthma attack. Do NOT use for a COPD attack.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

diabetes

have asthma and are not taking any other asthma medicine

heart disease or irregular heartbeat

high blood pressure

pheochromocytoma

seizures

thyroid disease

worsening asthma

an unusual or allergic reaction to formoterol, milk, other medicines, food, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

The capsules are only for inhalation through an inhaler device. Do NOT swallow the capsules. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not use a spacer device. Do not use more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

caffeine

cisapride

diuretics

furazolidone

medicines for blood pressure

medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

other medicines for breathing problems

pimozide

procarbazine

risperidone

sertindole

some antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, and linezolid

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for regular check ups. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better. If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short-acting inhalers more often, call your doctor right away. Do not use this medicine more than every 12 hours.

If you have asthma, be aware that using this medicine may increase your risk of dying from asthma related problems. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medicine. NEVER use this medicine for an acute asthma attack.

If you are going to have surgery tell your doctor or health care professional that you are using this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue

chest pain

difficulty breathing or wheezing that increases or does not go away

dizziness or fainting

fever

irregular heartbeat

nervousness

tremors

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

cough

headache

sore throat

stuffy nose

stomach upset

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 to 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Protect from heat and moisture. Remove capsules from the blister pack immediately before using them.

Special rules describing how to store and how long you should keep your medicine may apply. Be sure to read the MedGuide that came with your prescription carefully and follow the directions for storing and using your medicine.

Formoterol Fumarate Nebulizer solution

What is this medicine?

FORMOTEROL (for MOH te rol) is a slow-acting bronchodilator. It helps to open up the airways of your lungs. This medicine is used to treat COPD. It should not be used alone for asthma. Do NOT use for an acute asthma attack. Do NOT use for a COPD attack.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

diabetes

have asthma and are not taking any other asthma medicine

heart disease or irregular heartbeat

high blood pressure

pheochromocytoma

seizures

thyroid disease

worsening asthma

an unusual or allergic reaction to formoterol, other medicines, food, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is used in a nebulizer. Nebulizers make a liquid into an aerosol that you breathe in through your mouth or your mouth and nose into your lungs. You will be taught how to use your nebulizer. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use more often than directed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

caffeine

cisapride

diuretics

furazolidone

medicines for blood pressure

medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

other medicines for breathing problems

pimozide

procarbazine

risperidone

sertindole

some antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, and linezolid

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for regular check ups. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better. If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short-acting inhalers more often, call your doctor right away. Do not use this medicine more than every 12 hours.

If you have asthma, be aware that using this medicine may increase your risk of dying from asthma related problems. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medicine. NEVER use this medicine for an acute asthma attack.

If you are going to have surgery tell your doctor or health care professional that you are using this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue

chest pain

difficulty breathing or wheezing that increases or does not go away

fast, irregular heartbeat

feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

fever

nervousness

tremors

unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

diarrhea

dry mouth

headache

nausea, vomiting

sore throat

stuffy nose

trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 2 and 25 degrees C (36 and 77 degrees F). Protect from heat and moisture. Keep this medicine in the foil pouch until ready to use. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Special rules describing how to store and how long you should keep your medicine may apply. Be sure to read the MedGuide that came with your prescription carefully and follow the directions for storing and using your medicine.